a tribute.

i've been thinking about the close community of beautiful women in my life. how blessed i am to call them friends, my dear ones. i drink them to excess whenever i am with them, which in most cases nowadays, is never. we're scattered across the country but here's to the women i love, the things they love, and the things they do (in alphabetical order):

i know aly. a powerful woman if ever i knew one. a lover of words and literature, she encourages others to tell their stories the way they were made here on earth to tell them. she is a die hard sports fan, a model of a wife to her husband, roger, and an ever-present figure in her community, involved in every way. i admire her incomparable strength and i often crave curling up on her couch, drinking vino, and soaking up her accumulated wisdoms on life.

i know christin. she is passionate about skin science and personal wellness. even my brother can attest to her talent for spa treatments. and how can i speak of her loyalty to me? unsurpassed for years and years. someone i can cry to. and often do. amazing that my bestest will soon be my roomie.

i know emily. when she talks/sings your whole soul quiets down. time with her is better than time with any professional therapist. not only does she sing and soothe, but she knows. everything. talk with her, and you'll see what i mean.

i know erin. with whom i have an unbreakable "family" bond. i will never forget the confession of an old college roommate: "if only i was half as good a person as erin is..." someone i have wanted to be "just like" in life. i would trust her advice on anything. ever.

i know hannah. she's an epic woman indeed. witty to boot. fighting hard for human rights and kickin butt in law school. i don't know how she does what she does in one day but she thinks on her feet and does so with more confidence than anyone will ever see. she also gives the perfect gifts.

i know jenna. she is passionate about teaching. and teaching well. she is a deep well of information on the subject. the most nurturing of all my dear ones. she loves beyond herself and she takes care of me, even from far away. the perfect "talker-through-er." when i am a parent, she will be on speed dial.

i know kelly. together, we dream of the simple life. i admire her fabulously gifted sense of design and oil painting craft. and oh how she listens. i trust her with my life, my secrets, my aspirations. she holds them tightly and for that i am so grateful.

i know krista. another "family bond." a selfless soul. willing to drop anything at any time to ensure someone feels understood, loved, heard. the girl next door, exquisitely casual and effortlessly cool in how she carries herself and in her life views.

i know laura macfie. a woman who exudes independence. strong-willed and determined. the perfect project manager but with a huge heart and deep concern for others. i have learned a lot from that woman.

i know laura stone. a brilliant mind and dedicated to medicine. a fun-lover and such a beauty. she inspires "carpe diem" to all around her and when i'm around her, a smile always sticks.

i know lindsay breitenberg. my fun. the wanderluster. very rarely does an opportunity arise before her that she does not grasp with both hands. she is confident in herself and firm in her beliefs. she's willing to try...and she succeeds. a genuine, wild wonder.

i know lindsey merchant. she's always thinking of ways to include her dearest friends in her life. she is passionate about music, theatre, beauty and she invites others into that intriguing world. she is firm in her faith and we live inside each other's brains most days, it seems.

i know mary beth. a joyful spirit. a model of compassion. and her positive energy is contagious at all times. she was the perfect partner to counsel a group of girls with for a summer because she constantly gives of herself and never gives up on finding ways to do it.

i know my mom. where would i be without her? she's passionate about music and her family. she has been dedicated to the study of voice her whole life and has always found ways to exercise this creative outlet of hers. she sings when she doesn't want to because it is her gift and she teaches me to use my gifts. everything a mom should be and then some. i could not be more proud to say i belong to her.

i know riva. my lifeblood in college. an outgoing leader with a classic, mature soul. the epitome of a southern belle who walks in favor and leaves behind a clear trail as an example for others. she feels like home to me.

i know sarah. i stare at her watercolors and know for a fact that such refined art requires a steady hand, unwavering grace, and a soft spirit. she is, undoubtedly, a rare and admirable "true north" of a mother to her new son, liam.

i know stephanie boyd. she is kindness incarnate. she'll help you with anything and give you the confidence and hope you need to carry on. sometimes i feel these optimistic souls are most important in our world.

i know stephanie butler. my longest friend. just spend an afternoon with her. you'll feel you can change the world for good. this woman can inspire you to learn more and do more.

i know tara. my twin in so many ways. she has a life of art. she creates things that melt your heart because she pours all of her big heart into her pieces. you'll want to experience tara's beautiful work for yourself. for sure.

i know teresa. she's passionate about natural beauty...finding it, creating it, inspiring it in others. the most resourceful woman i know, dying clothes in coffee grounds. a saint and domestic goddess for sure.

i know tiffany. who is unmatched in her skillful wordsmithing. she is so wise. the best story teller i know. a true lover of style, non-profit, and truth. i could sit with her for hours in a coffee shop...oh wait.

i know the girls in my new small group. just recently met them. spent only an evening with them. but their personalities and accountability are soon to bring balance to my life. i'm sure of it.

these are some of the dearest women in my life. this is what they love. this is what i love about them. i am so grateful that i have walked/will continue to walk through life with them.